Lesser Yellow Underwing vs Big-headed Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lesser Yellow Underwing Big-headed Fly
Scientific Name Noctua comes Pipunculus campestris
Order Lepidoptera Diptera
Family Noctuidae Pipunculidae
Size 40-46 mm wingspan 3-6 mm
Habitat Gardens Farmland
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Lesser Yellow Underwing

Similar to the Large Yellow Underwing but smaller with more orange-yellow hindwings. Very common in gardens and attracted to light. Larvae feed on many herbaceous plants.

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Did You Know?

Together with its larger relative, forms one of the most abundant moth species partnerships in garden moth traps.

Big-headed Fly

A small fly with an enormously enlarged, almost entirely eye-covered spherical head. It hovers in vegetation searching for leafhopper hosts in which to parasitize.

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Did You Know?

Its enormous eyes give it near-360-degree vision, allowing it to spot leafhoppers from any angle while hovering.